FILE/ AFP PHOTO
The hearings for the proposed fare hikes for public utility jeepneys (PUJ) and transport network vehicle services (TNVS) providers have been scheduled for February, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) announced on Thursday.
In a text message to reporters, LTFRB board member Atty. Aileen Lizada said the fare hike petitions for jeepneys and taxis would be heard on February 13 while the petition filed by Grab Philippines would be taken up on February 14.
Lizada said jeepney operators filed a petition for an P8 to P10 minimum fare increase, but she said it appears they want to amend their petition.
“Sila (jeepney operators) po ang nagre-request ng resetting (ng hearing). Dalawang beses na-reset po ito kasi hindi sila ready the first time. The second hearing, they requested for a postponement,” Lizada said.
“February pa (ang hearing) kasi they said they will amend the petition, which we have yet to receive,” she said.
The petitions for fare increases came amid the impending increase of fuel prices due to higher excise tax rates under the newly-signed Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (Train) law.
Under the Train Law, gasoline was subject to higher excise tax of P7 per liter.